The
team behind the successful Harrogate Christmas Market is seeking more volunteers
as it prepares for the fifth annual event.

The
Market Makers – a group of 40 volunteers drawn from local organisations,
businesses and the wider community – are looking to boost their numbers for the
four-day, not-for-profit Christmas Market, from Thursday, November 17 to Sunday,
November 20.

While
professional contractors look after technical aspects of the organisation, such
as security, waste disposal and electrics, the Market Makers have a role to play
in making it a fun, friendly and welcoming event.

Alex
Morrow, who leads the team of volunteers, said: “Our Market Makers spend their
time looking after traders by watching the stalls while they re-stock or have a
quick break.

“They
also give directions to visitors and generally help to make Harrogate Christmas
Market a friendly, welcoming place. We simply couldn’t run the event without
them.”

Among
the volunteers who support Harrogate Christmas Market are members of both
Harrogate Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Harrogate. Local residents also give
up their time to help, while several businesses send staff along as part of
their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“We are
particularly keen to hear from community organisations and businesses who might
want to give us some of their time,” added Alex.

“As a
not-for-profit event, we aim to bring visitors in to Harrogate at a vital time
of year for local businesses. Any surplus made is given to other events and
organisations with the same aim, so by volunteering with us, people are helping
to support the local economy and make Harrogate a vibrant, exciting place to
live and work.”

The
four-day event will have its ever-popular mix of home-made and hand-crafted
goods not usually available on the high street, along with Yorkshire-produced
food and drink, live music from local 'buskers', children's funfair rides and
Santa in his grotto with real reindeer outside.